Recent research has found that barring same-sex marriage has its consequences: it hurts the economy and leads to an increase in mental illness among LGB people.

Recent economic and mental health studies have found that barring same-sex marriage has its consequences: it hurts the economy for everyone and leads to an increase in mental illness among lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people.

Homophobia As A Public Health Concern

A study by the Mailman School of Public Health “found an increase in psychiatric disorders among the LGB population living in states that instituted bans on same-sex marriage.” Participants in their study were interviewed during 2001-2002 and then again during 2004-2005.

LGB people living in states that passed laws and constitutional amendments to restrict marriage to heterosexual couples (a total of 14 states) experienced increased rates of psychiatric disorders between the two time points.

There were significant increases in mood disorders, alcohol use disorders, and a more than 200 percent increase in generalized anxiety disorder.

One can argue, too, that the increased prevalence of mental illness among LGB people where laws and policies deny them equal rights and status also adds additional burdens in terms of health care costs and resources.

Just imagine the health and economic consequences of laws that call for the execution and imprisonment of LGBT people, like that which is being pushed in Uganda.

Dr. Eric Anthony Grollman received his PhD in sociology at Indiana University. He is an Assistant Professor at the University of Richmond. Dr. Grollman's research interests lie in medical sociology, social psychology, sexualities, and race/gender/class. You can see his personal blog at http://egrollman.com.More posts by this author »